Patriots Pull Disappearing Act on Marblehead

The CC Girls lacrosse (15-1) team did a bit of magic on their own today wowing the audience with an early offensive display en route to a 15-4 win over the Marblehead Magician’s (10-4).

With the MIAA playoffs looming and a sense of urgency, the Patriots came out Monday in full force Monday scoring within the first 15 seconds as Midfielder Hannah Dudley took her own draw, drove to goal releasing a fireball to the netting. CC kept their foot on the gas when a minute later Captain Jenna Carlton dodged right and hit the top far corner for a 2-0 lead. Captain Madeline Leahy followed with a 3rd goal after taking a nice feed from Johanna O’ Neil. Attacker Grace Andonian continued the momentum next with a nice crease roll at the 17:40 mark followed by Dudley notching a free position shot 14 seconds later and making the score 5-0. Marblehead was forced to take a time out.

The Magicians gained some traction winning the next draw control and finding a cutter who made a nice far post shot. A Patriot yellow card appeared to set the tone for a Marblehead resurgence, however the CC defense responded as Patriot defender Audrey Hunt caused a crucial turnover giving the Patriots possession. CC stalled the ball for 90 seconds eating up valuable short handed clock time before captain Lexi Goodhue scored on a feed from O’Neil to make it 6-1. With thirteen minutes remaining in the half Carlton made it 7-1 on a left to right dodge and hitting the left corner. Junior Cassidy Hale piled on another goal on another O’Neil assist. Marblehead attempted to fight back earning their second goal only to be matched when Carlton dumped a feed to Goodhue who bounced a shot to the short side for an 8-1 lead. Andonian grabbed her second goal on a quick wrist shot to make it 9-2. Marblehead remained resilient earning a free position shot that resulted in their 3rd goal. Carlton closed out the half with her 3rd goal on a free position shot and a CC 11- 3 lead.

The Patriots started the second half less precise but still commanding. Following an initial Marblehead goal, Patriot Dudley would find the net three times in the following ten minutes to expand the lead. Andonian capped her third goal with 8:14 remaining to close out a 15-4 Patriot win.

The Patriot defense continues to impress this season relinquishing less than six goals per game. Goalie captain Conley Ernst has been solid in net with a 60% save against average and an 80%+ clear completion along with 11 interceptions. CC defenders have on average forced more than 8 turnovers per game on their opponents. Brianna Stout, Madeline Leahy, Sophie Shipe, Audrey Hunt, Emily Muschlitz , Margot Painter and Annie Wilson all prove to be stellar on the defensive line while Hannah Dudley, Madeline Leahy and Johanna O’Neil have been relentless on re-defending.

Written by Jack Carlton and Terry Goodhue.

Photos by Andy Dudley and Dave Andonian and Jon Straggas. More photos available here.